Jordyn Nelson, 18, a valedictorian at Bellingham High School, is the daughter of Kent and Monaca Nelson. She plans to attend Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore., to study pharmaceuticals. Her key to academic success? "Having a strong support system is really important and I have been very fortunate to have such a supportive family. One of my favorite quotes about academic success is 'the key to success is the glue that holds your rear to your chair and your nose in your books.'" Her most influential teachers?: Rob Hendricks, Algebra teacher, Kulshan Middle School; and Bellingham High teachers Brian Powell, Spanish, Karen Moren, Health Care Services, and Laurie Mullarky, A.P. Literature. COURTESY — VALEDICTORIAN JORDYN NELSON